29th California Cross Country State Championships --
10 Teams to Watch

By Erik Boal, DyeStatCAL Editor

Aptos girls

After finishing fifth in Division III last year, the Mariners have aspirations of winning their first state title since 2005, when they captured the Division II championship. Matti Peoples and Marea Zlatunich lead a group that captured its fifth consecutive Central Coast Section crown. The Mariners will be challenged by Esperanza, La Costa Canyon and Palos Verdes in their pursuit of a podium finish for the first time since 2011.

Arcadia girls

Despite their seventh-place finish at the Southern Section Division I finals, the Apaches remain a legitimate contender to secure a podium finish for the first time in program history. Arcadia finished second in the championship race at the Clovis Invitational, so the Apaches have demonstrated they can run well at Woodward Park. Holly Lung and Jasmine He lead Arcadia, which will challenge Great Oak, Davis Senior, Monte Vista and Clovis North for a spot on the podium.

Bishop Amat boys

Although the Lancers placed sixth in the Southern Section Division IV final, they are the defending state champions and have confidence they can excel at Woodward Park. Robbie Santoyo leads Bishop Amat, which is attempting to become the first team since Big Bear in 2007-08 to win back-to-back state titles. The Lancers will try to survive a deep field of challengers, including Harvard-Westlake, Sir Francis Drake, Foothill Tech, Sage Creek, Santa Ynez and Covina.

Campolindo boys

Following a third consecutive North Coast Section Division III title and 11th championship in program history, the Cougars look to make the state podium for the fourth time. Campolindo, which finished ninth last year, placed second in 2008, but is still seeking its first state crown. Jared Yabu leads the Cougars against defending-champion Brea-Olinda, along with Paso Robles, Baldwin Park and Palos Verdes.

Desert Christian boys

The last time Desert Christian made the Division V podium was in 2011 when the Knights finished second behind St. Margaret's, which set the division record with a team time of 80:32. Desert Christian, led by Andrew Mitchell and Joseph Biehl, is in position to again challenge for a championship following a runner-up finish at the Southern Section final. The Knights will need to knock off defending-champion Xavier Prep and favorite Flintridge Prep, which has the potential to eclipse St. Margaret's record.

Jesuit boys

The Marauders share the all-time boys record with McFarland with nine state championships, but their last came in 2006, which was also their most recent podium finish. Jesuit held off rival Davis Senior to win its 25th Sac-Joaquin Section title and is seeking its 12th podium finish in program history, challenging Great Oak, Dana Hills, Madera South and Ventura in the Division I final. Sean Kurdy and Benjamin Holland, who advanced to the state final as individuals last year, lead the Marauders.

Loyola boys

The Cubs were seventh at the Division I state final last year, but have returned to Division II this season, giving them optimism for a seventh podium finish. Loyola has captured five state championships, the last coming in 2010 in Division II. Although the Cubs placed fourth at the Southern Section final, Charlie Sherman, Preston Ortiz and Jonathan Pinon have Loyola prepared to challenge West Torrance, Anaheim Canyon and Mira Costa for the title.

Santa Cruz girls

Cate Ratliff and Mari Friedman were the lone representatives for the Cardinals at last year's Division IV state final. Both return this season, but Santa Cruz has developed a strong supporting cast seeking the program's first state championship. The Cardinals have never celebrated a podium finish at the state meet, but do boast a two-point victory at the Stanford Invitational over Southern Section champion Mayfield. Santa Cruz will battle Mayfield, Bishop Amat, Piedmont and Coronado for division supremacy.

Serrano girls

It could be a memorable meet for the Diamondbacks, who not only seek their third podium finish at the state meet, but have the potential to capture their first Division II championship and deny Saugus a ninth title in 10 years. Serrano suffered a four-point setback to Saugus at the Southern Section final, but is motivated to make history following a fourth-place finish last year. Courtney Brenner, Kelly Fairchild and Summer Barkan lead Serrano, which placed third in Division II in 2004 and 2012.

St. Joseph Notre Dame girls

The Pilots captured their first North Coast Section Division V title and could stand in the way of Flintridge Prep repeating as state champion. St. Joseph Notre Dame finished ninth last year, but Kiera Marshall -- runner-up a year ago -- now has the necessary support in Emily Perez and Beatrice Levy to battle for its first podium finish. The Pilots are in the hunt for the title, along with Flintridge Prep and Francis Parker.